Visual Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Art and Visual Culture in the College of Design at Iowa State University is offering a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Ceramics starting August 16, 2027.

Qualified candidates for this studio-based position will bring an in-depth knowledge in ceramics arts, including processes, histories, and related materials and practices. Areas of expertise will include contemporary and traditional techniques embracing sculptural, functional, and installation-based approaches to making. Special attention will be given to candidates who bring an innovative and/or community-engaged approach to ceramic art, along with a critical knowledge of related materials to their teaching and creative work. Candidates with ethical and environmentally responsible approaches to their discipline and teaching are strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will contribute to teaching in the department of Art and Visual Culture and have opportunities to contribute to the interdisciplinary collegiate programs in the College of Design. The position includes working with students from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds and abilities, including graduate students. Pedagogically adaptive and innovative approaches in teaching are expected. The position responsibilities also include scholarship and research in the area of the candidate's expertise; undergraduate and graduate student advising; service on department, college and university committees; and maintenance of the ceramic studio and related equipment.

The Department of Art and Visual Culture is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree or equivalent in ceramics or related field

• Portfolio with evidence of critical approaches to ceramic-based art and craft

• Ability to work collaboratively with other disciplines and/or communities

• Demonstrated evidence of professional accomplishment, such as exhibition record, scholarship, and/or community-engaged practice

• Knowledge of contemporary and traditional practices in ceramic art and related art and design disciplines

• Experience in ethical and environmentally responsible art and design practices

• Experience maintaining a ceramics studio and related equipment

• Demonstrated ability to teach college-level introductory to advanced ceramics courses

As a land grant and Research institution, Iowa State University upholds and advocates for the impact of creative activities, scholarship, and education both on-and off-campus. We embrace and value community and the people and knowledge that preceded the formation of our institution and that inform our current-day practices. The College of Design celebrates and builds on long-standing success as a comprehensive design school that embodies knowledge-sharing and innovation.

The Department of Art and Visual Culture exemplifies these qualities through the creativity and entrepreneurship of its community of makers, educators, and scholars. With an integrated and cross-disciplinary approach to teaching and collaborating, we are committed to contributing to the excellence of the academic community and to building a culturally vibrant environment. We are especially seeking candidates who uphold and promote this purpose and who apply the above qualities in their teaching and research practice.

Department of Art and Visual Culture Website: http://www.design.iastate.edu/academics/departments/art-visual-culture/

Department of Art and Visual Culture - Ceramics: http://www.design.iastate.edu/academics/departments/art-visual-culture/avc-art-studios/ceramics/

To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following as PDF files of no more than 5 MB each:
1) Letter of Application
2) Curriculum Vitae with contact information for three professional references

3) Research and Creative Activities Statement

4) Teaching Philosophy Statement

5) Two sample course syllabi, if applicable (consolidated into a single document)

And the following portfolios should be uploaded to: https://iastate.app.box.com/f/6783419d8cff45f2a86aabe2192f38df, no more than 25 MB for each portfolio.

1) Portfolio of Creative Work: 20-page PDF portfolio of creative work including title, date, media

2) Teaching Portfolio: 20-page PDF portfolio of work by your students including student name, title, date, media and course.

For full consideration, please apply by October 15, 2026.

Sarah Kyle, Professor and Chair, AVC, 146 College of Design, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3093
If you have questions regarding this vacancy, please email Sarah Kyle, skyle@iastate.eduor call 515-294-9985. If you have questions regarding the application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.